The business of media and entertainment

NAB 2012: Snell doubles Vega capacity

At NAB, Snell will unveil a new 4-RU version of its Vega routing platform. Allowing users to configure any signal port independently for fibre or coax (copper) connectivity, and enabling any port to be configured as either an input or output, Vega offers flexible asymmetric routing, now within a 192-port design.

"As an essential component of a flexible and reliable broadcast infrastructure, Vega offers broadcast and playout operations an unprecedented degree of routing versatility, and enables them to deliver the highest quality of SD and HD content," said Kim Francis, senior product manager at Snell. "Vega redefines the concept of a routing switcher. By introducing this new 192-port, 4-RU model, we’re making this exceptional system an appealing option for an even broader range of applications and facilities."

The fully asymmetric I/O port designation of the Vega routing platform enables users to configure the router with just one input and 191 outputs, 191 inputs and one output, or any combination in between. The system uses proprietary algorithms to monitor every subassembly continuously. To ensure maximum redundancy, it offers a full range of options — dual crosspoints, dual controllers, dual power supplies, and dual fans — all of which are hot-pluggable or replaceable.

The extreme density of the Vega platform allows operators to pack dozens more signal ports into 4-RU than could fit into a conventional routing system. Each pair of ports consists of a receptacle cage that accepts a very small plug-in module supporting either fibre (LC-type small form-factor pluggable, or SFP) or copper coaxial (HD BNC and/or DIN 1.0/2.3) connectivity. Because Vega’s ports can be configured simply and quickly, broadcasters and media companies can choose the appropriate connection medium on the fly. Convenient support for fibre connectivity without the need for external converters makes it easy and affordable to maintain high data rates over long-distance links.